09/08/2025
𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐊 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐏𝐀
...You Have Keyed Into the ARISE Agenda – ANPA Boss
The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State, has thrown its weight behind the Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles, for her people-centric governance in the ancient local government. The association described her achievements as a true reflection of, and alignment with, the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.
ANPA, the newspaper publishing bloc in the state, made this assertion during its ongoing local government facility tour, which berthed in Abak on Tuesday.
Setting the tone, Patrick Albert, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and member of the delegation, noted that effective communication creates visibility, while its absence renders even the most remarkable achievements unknown. He emphasized the importance of the press in bridging this gap, hence the association’s resolve to embark on this all-important information tour across local government areas in the state.
In her response, an elated Hon. Ime Effiong Charles, flanked by her Council Secretary, Hon. (Deacon) Gift Umoh, thanked the publishers for beginning their tour in Abak, the first local government alphabetically describing it as a morale booster to her administration’s performance.
She reeled out some of her achievements in less than one year in office, which include:
°Building and commissioning of a fully equipped Health Centre at Ikot Antuk, Midim.
°Building and commissioning of a modern toilet facility at Abak Main Market.
°Modern renovation of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, NULGE, and Agric Department offices.
°Grading of abandoned rural roads across the 12 wards of the LGA.
°Provision of educational materials to primary school pupils.
°Timely waste evacuation from the main market and other strategic locations.
°Modern furnishing of official offices for the 12 councillors.
°Provision of a modern borehole facility at Abak Main Market.
°Distribution of food items and cash to the less privileged to mark the Governor’s birthday.
°Engagement and payment of monthly stipends to over 85 women responsible for keeping urban roads clean.
°Collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for peace and security.
°Furnishing of the Paramount Ruler’s office and those of the 12 Supervisory Councillors.
°Monthly stipends to over 500 youths to cushion unemployment.
°Ongoing construction of the ultra-modern 8th Abak Legislative Chamber.
°Ongoing renovation of a modern classroom block at Eka Midim Secondary School, Midim Clan.
°Ongoing renovation of Abak Main Market with standard offices.
°Intervention in drainage and erosion control at Abak Main Market Square.
°Constant financial assistance to indigent residents.
In his earlier remarks, ANPA President, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, expressed satisfaction with the strides recorded so far by the Abak Council Boss, describing them as being in line with the ARISE spirit, while calling for sustained progress.
Giving a vote of thanks, ANPA Board of Trustees Chairman and Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Ernest Akpan, applauded Hon. Ime Charles for “giving back to the people,” charging her not to relent but to do even more.
“For living in Abak, you have done well. For leaving a place in your payroll for the vulnerable, you have made the ARISE Agenda simple and easier,” he concluded.
The high point of the facility tour was an on-the-spot assessment of the projects embarked upon by the Abak Council Boss. The publishers expressed satisfaction and urged for more developmental initiatives.
In a post-event reaction, the Council Chairman’s Press Secretary, Comrade Akaninyene Esang who also publishes The Bell newspaper described the visit as a “searchlight” that affirmed his boss’s sterling qualities and service to humanity.
He assured the publishers that the Chairman would continue to implement people-focused initiatives worthy of publicity.
